'My Favorite Things'

The Otero Junior College Student and Community Choir, under the direction of Dean Rees, rehearsed at the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford on Monday evening.

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By OJC and LJTD Staff

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By OJC and LJTD Staff

Posted Mar. 27, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By OJC and LJTD Staff
Posted Mar. 27, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The Otero Junior College Student and Community Choir, under the direction of Dean Rees, rehearsed at the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford on Monday evening. They were testing the acoustics of the theater. Even without the shell, "Oklahoma!" rang out loud and clear, all over the auditorium.

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens …” are a few of Maria Von Trapp’s favorite things in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Sound of Music," and the song is just one of many favorites that the Broadway duo penned over the years. The OJC Student and Community Choir is proud to present a hearty sampling of their songs that have warmed our hearts when they perform “My Favorite Things! Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim."

The concert will be performed twice, first at the OJC Humanities Center on April 1 and then at the Grand Theater on April 2. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30. Admission is free. Dean Rees directs and Sally Kappel accompanies. Al Guadagnoli is featured on bass guitar.

Two masterful medleys form the heart of the program. First, Mac Huff arranges 13 popular favorites from such shows as “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “The King and I” and “State Fair.” To name just a few … ”Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” “Oklahoma!” “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Surrey With the Fringe On Top,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Surely such songs form the heart of the Broadway repertoire! Talented soloists are featured throughout the choral medley.

Following the medley a number of soloists share their vocal talents. Katie Newens sings “I Can’t Say No” from "Oklahoma." Katie Lagergren, Amanda Rusher, and Leslie Williams blend their voices in a beautiful arrangement of “Edelweiss.” Mike Shima portrays the fiery Billy Bigelow as he imagines becoming a father when he sings the dynamic “Soliloquy” from “Carousel.” Terry Miller touches hearts with a glorious rendition of “If I Loved You” also from “Carousel.” Cindy Wickham uplifits spirits with “Climb Every Mountain.”

Finally, the choir offers a medley of songs from the dynamic composer that many have named as the successor to the Rodgers and Hammerstein duo: Stephen Sondheim. Known for his wide variety of songs and plays, Sondheim has a knack for revealing the psychology and personality of his characters with his subtle songs and brilliant lyrics. Mac Huff arranges nine songs into a choral medley that is sure to have you leaving the theater humming the tunes and chuckling over his clever and (sometimes) sardonic lyrics. From such shows as “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum,” “Into the Woods,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and “Company,” Sondheim’s genius is clearly revealed. “Send in the Clowns” is only one of the highlights.

Page 2 of 2 - Dean Rees, director of the OJC Student and Community Choir, cordially invites you to attend a fun and entertaining concert chock full of popular melodies and memories of wonderful nights at the theater.